Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depot expansion in Kwekwe is nearing completion, marking a significant step toward the Second Republic’s broader goal of achieving national food security.
The project, which involves the construction of grain silos, is now in its final phase, with contractors adding finishing touches.
The government has erected seven silos with a continuous drying mechanism making it easy for farmers to transition from the winter to summer cropping season.
Once complete, the upgraded facility will significantly enhance grain storage and processing capabilities.
“While other GMB depots have 20 driers, each capable of processing 28 tonnes in five hours, this continuous drying mechanism handles up to 200 tonnes per hour. This means farmers can harvest grain at 24% moisture and have it dried right here. Additional innovations include an environmentally friendly dust removal system and automated ventilation to prevent stack burn during storage,” the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka noted.
The Kwekwe GMB silos expansion project is part of the 14 silo projects being constructed by government countrywide to add to the existing infrastructure with the ultimate goal of ensuring national food security.
“The 14 sites are strategically located across the country including at Beitbridge, Gwanda, Lupane, Gokwe, Masvingo and Timber Mils Mutare so that in good years, we are able to produce from provinces and relocate to these silos which are better for longer grain storage,” the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka noted.
The 14 sites under construction, with a capacity of 56 000 metric tonnes each, are set to complement the existing 750 000, with the country targeting a 1.5 million metric tonnes silo capacity for strategic grain reserves once the project is completed.
